Multiple myeloma is type of blood cancer that affects plasma in the white blood cells. When you develop this type of cancer, the cancer cells move to your bone marrow. It can affect your immune system, as well as your kidneys.[1] You'll most likely notice pain in your bones, particularly your chest and back, which you can treat with medications, medical interventions, and home remedies.[2]

Steps

Method1

Choosing Medications to Treat the Pain

1

Ask about over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter pain medications can help you deal with the pain. However, it's very important to ask your doctor before starting one, as they can interfere with your treatment. You may be able to take ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin, for instance,[3] but NSAIDs like ibuprofen do interfere with some cancer treatments.[4]

2

Start with a weaker opioid. When it comes to pain management, it's best to take only what you need to manage the pain. Therefore, try starting with a weaker opioid, such as codeine, to help you manage your pain from multiple myeloma.[5]

Talk to your doctor for a prescription. Most doctors are more than willing to prescribe pain medications for cancer patients.

3

Move up to a stronger opioid. If the opioid you are on isn't strong enough for you, you may need to try a stronger type of opioid. Alternatively, you may just need to try a different kind of opioid, as not everyone responds to the same painkillers. Some stronger opioids your doctor might put you on include methadone, oxycodone, morphine, or oxymorphone.[6]

4

Ask about antiseizure medications. In some cases, antiseizure medications can help with your pain. Usually, these medications are most helpful if your pain is mainly the result of nerve damage. Ask your doctor if this type of medication is an option for you.[7]

5

Talk to your doctor about antidepressants. Another option that can be helpful for pain from nerve damage is an antidepressant. In some people, taking an antidepressant decreases the chances of a pain signal reaching the brain, decreasing your pain overall.[8]

Method2

Delivering Pain Medication

1

Take pain medications orally. The simplest way to take pain medications is by mouth. You've likely taken medications this way in the past, swallowing the medication with a glass of water. In this form, medications come in tablets, gel caps, and other swallowable forms, as well as dissolvable forms, that you let dissolve in your mouth.[9]

However, if you have trouble with swallowing pills, you may need to take pain medications in other forms or stick to the dissolving kind.

Usually, you take these medications as needed, though some come in a sustained-release form, meaning you don't have to take them as often.

If you don't like taking pills but you still prefer an oral application, you can also get pain medications in lollipop form.[10]

2

Use a patch. Another option for pain management is a patch. You leave the patch on your skin, and it delivers pain medication to your body. The up side is it provides a steady dose, meaning you don't have a break between medications as long as you apply a new patch on time. Generally, you apply these patches every couple of days.[11]

3

Try rectal medications. You can also take pain medications rectally. You'll insert a small suppository in your rectum that will deliver the pain medication to your body. You generally take this type of medication as needed. Morphine is sometimes taken in this form.[12]

4

Consider taking meds intravenously. If you can't take pain medications by mouth, another option is taking them intravenously. For this type of delivery method, you'll need to have a semi-permanent IV line in your hand or arm where medications can be injected easily.[13]

You may also get a pump that you always have with you that continually gives you drugs intravenously.[14]

Method3

Using Other Medical Interventions

1

Talk to your doctor about nerve blocks. This option is one available to many cancer patients. Basically, your doctor will give you an injection of anesthetic at the site of the pain, which helps keep the pain signal from reaching your brain.[15] You may need more than one injection before you feel the effects of this intervention.

If you have a fear of needles, this therapy may not be for you. However, most people find that their fear of the injection is worse than the actuality, as the doctor will usually numb the area first. The procedure generally lasts 5 to 15 minutes. You may be a bit sore for a few days.[16]

This procedure is generally safe, though you may have low blood pressure for a couple of days.

Your doctor may use analgesics, alcohol, or steroid injections to help reduce the pain.[17]

2

Ask about radiation for your tumors. One option to decrease pain is to use radiation on your tumors. The radiation helps to decrease the size of the tumor. In turn, the tumor is less likely to push on the nerves that cause you pain.[18]

Usually, external radiation is used for multiple myeloma. The radiation comes from a machine outside your body, and it is aimed at your tumors to help reduce them. It's much like having an x-ray done.

This treatment does come with side effects, such as diarrhea, fatigue, skin problems, and low blood counts.[19]

3

Consider surgery. Surgery can also reduce your pain. One way it can help is to reduce the tumor size or remove it altogether, making it less likely that it will push on nerves. In addition, surgery can be used to support fragile or fractured bones, decreasing pain at these sites.[20]

Also, your doctor can use a more minor surgery to snip the ends of nerves, reducing pain.[21]

4

Use braces to support your bones. Because myeloma can make your bones fragile, braces can help provide support, which in turn can decrease your pain. Try wearing a neck or back brace if you're having pain in those areas.[22]

You can buy braces at drug stores and medical supply stores.

Method4

Trying Alternative Remedies and Techniques

1

Consider acupuncture. While acupuncture isn't for everyone, some people find it does help. Acupuncture is the process of putting small needles into certain pressure points across your body in an effort to reduce pain. Ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you, as well as for a recommendation for a local acupuncturist.[23]

2

Try relaxation or meditation techniques. One way that people manage their pain is through the use of relaxation techniques. These techniques have been shown to improve pain over time, and they may even boost your immune system.[24]

Try some techniques on your own. For instance, you can try simple deep breathing. When the pain is bad, try closing your eyes. Focus only on your breathing. Breathe in for four counts through your nose. Hold it for four counts, then blow it out for four counts. Keep breathing to calm yourself, and try to work through the pain.

You can also try to find a meditation center or class in your city. You can take a class or join a group so that you can learn new meditation techniques.

3

Ask about massages. Some people with multiple myeloma have some luck easing the pain with massages. While this option may be a good one for you, you should talk to your doctor first, as this treatment may not be right for everyone, particularly if your bones are already becoming brittle in some areas.[25]

4

Perform light exercises. Light exercising can help strengthen your bones over time, which multiple myeloma works to weaken. When your bones weaken, you're more susceptible to fractures and pain. Try exercises like walking or doing yoga or T'ai Chi.[26]

Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise regimen, particularly if you have a serious health problem.

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Tips

Don't be afraid to talk about your pain to your doctor. They can't help if they don't know you're in pain.[27]

Warnings

Talk to your doctor before starting any treatment for pain.

If you suddenly have more pain in your back paired with weakness in your legs (or numbness), seek medical care immediately. These symptoms could indicate spinal cord compression, where the bones in your spine collapse.[28]